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Ventura targets playing time for young L. Garcia

Ventura targets playing time for young L. Garcia

8/23/13: Leury Garcia rips a line drive to right field, notching his first hit as a member of the White Sox

By Todd Karpovich
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Special to MLB.com |

BALTIMORE -- Leury Garcia started Friday at shortstop against the Orioles and will likely get significant playing time down the final stretch of the season, manager Robin Ventura said.

Garcia was acquired Aug. 11, as the player to be named from the trade with the Rangers for Alex Rios. Garcia hit .265 with four triples, four home runs, 20 RBIs, 15 stolen bases and 34 runs scored in 55 games between Triple-A Charlotte and Texas' Triple-A affiliate before being called up by Chicago.

In seven games with the White Sox, he is batting just .167 with an RBI and two stolen bases. Ventura also plans to start Garcia at second base for Saturday's game.

Ventura said the key is finding a balance of winning games while still getting an extended look at some of the younger players who were brought up when rosters expanded.

"You'd like to do both of those," Ventura said. "There are going to be guys playing in there that if we had a 25-man roster, they wouldn't be here playing. But in September, you add extra guys -- players, pitchers -- that you're going to put in situations to see how they handle it and see how they play. Again, we're kind of in a mode of where you're also going to see, while playing games right now, what you're in for next year and who's going to make a run at certain positions."

Todd Karpovich is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.